What is menopause

Menopause describes the changes women go through as they gradually stop menstruating and enter

the post-reproductive period of life. It is a normal transition and it marks the beginning of a new phase of

a woman’s life.

When does menopause happen

There are three stages of menopause which usually last up to 10 years or more.

Early onset of menopause may be caused by genetics, cancer therapy, surgical removal of the ovaries,

autoimmune disorders and Premature Ovarian Failure.

Usually starts in your mid to late 40s,

when your ovaries gradually produce

less sex hormones, and is often

described as the transition phase of

Menopause. It usually lasts 3-5 years,

but may last up to 10 years.

During this time, hormone production

can fluctuate, particularly Oestrogen and Progesterone, and periods

become less regular.

The average age for menopause

is 51 and it is characterised by 12

months without menstruation.

This is when the body ceases

production of the hormone

oestrogen.

In the years following menopause

the symptoms may begin to ease,

but there are some new health

considerations to be aware of, such

as osteoporoses and heart disease.

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PERI-MENOPAUSE MENOPAUSE POST MENOPAUSE

MENOPAUSE

Common Symptoms

Menopause is an individual experience, symptoms and their intensity will vary person to person.

Changing oestrogen levels are the main cause of menopausal symptoms, hormone balance is very

important to a woman’s feeling of well-being.

Too much oestrogen and you may experience:

Over-heating Weight gain Fatigue

Breast tenderness Poor sleep Irregular periods

Sugar cravings Bloating Irritability

Not enough Oestrogen and you may experience:

Depression/anxiety Night sweats Hot flushes

Painful intercourse Low libido Headaches

Memory loss or foggy head Low moods Insomnia

Low energy Light or no period Vaginal dryness or itchiness

Collagen loss & sagging skin Aching muscles & joints Recurring Infections

Bladder Leakage

Treatment Options

The most common treatments are listed below but it is important to note

that any treatment should only be commenced in consultation with your

doctor and some of the more “natural” options are still being researched

to determine effectiveness.

• Vaginal laser treatment (GynaeLase)

For improving skin thickness, tightness and lubrication of the vagina.

This is a quick, safe, painless, long-lasting and effective solution for

vaginal dryness, itchiness, painful intercourse, light bladder leakage,

skin strengthening and tightening.

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Pills, patches, suppositories, creams, troches prescribed by a doctor.

Long term use of HRT and its use at all for patients with a personal

or family history of breast cancer, is not advised.

• Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

As above but plant derived, compounded hormones.

• Supplements, herbs and botanicals

Such as black cohosh, evening primrose oil and flaxseed may help reduce hot flushes and night sweats.

• Soy (food forms, not tablets or powders)

For assisting with hot flushes and night sweats.

Tips for a Healthy Menopause

• Seek medical advice to balance hormones.

• Eat a well balance diet:

As there is a direct relationship between a lack of oestrogen and the

development of osteoporosis, you may need a calcium supplement

if you can’t get enough in your diet. You may also need a Vitamin D

supplement as your body uses Vitamin D to absorb calcium.

• Increase your intake of plant-based foods that have isoflavones (plant oestrogens) such as tofu and soy milk. They may work in the

body like a weak form of oestrogen and may lower cholesterol levels

and relieve hot flushes and night sweats.

• Cut back on high-fat foods. Saturated and trans fats raise

cholesterol and increases the risk of heart disease. They can be

found in fatty meats, full fat milk, ice cream, cheese, vegetable oils,

many baked goods and some margarine.

Wholegrain breads

Cereals

Pasta

Rice

Fresh fruits

Vegetables

Dairy

Fish with bones

Broccoli

Legumes

Lean red meat

Poultry

Fish

Eggs

Leafy green veggies

Nuts

Enriched grain

products

High in fibre Calcium Iron

• Limit sugar and salt; too much sodium is linked to high blood

pressure.

• Water, drink 6-8 glasses of filtered water each day

• Limit your alcohol intake

• Exercise regularly, aim for a minimum of 30 minutes at least 4-5

times per week. Weight bearing exercise is a great way to strengthen

your bones, improve muscular endurance, posture, balance and co-

ordination.

• If you are suffering hot flushes, avoid trigger foods and drinks

such as spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol

Specialist Clinics of Australia

T (02) 8459 0312 F 1300 88 05 66 E doctors@specialistaustralia.com.au www.specialistaustralia.com.au

Your Menopause Medical Checklist

Our team of gynaecologists, women’s health doctors and GynaeLase experts at Specialist Clinics

of Australia are available to help with your menopausal care. Having worked within Sydney’s major

hospitals, our team provide a broad level of expert knowledge with the most technologically advanced

treatment options all in the one convenient CBD location. For a personal and confidential appointment, please call 02 8459 0312 or visit www.specialistaustralia.com.au

If required a referral can be arranged at the time of booking your appointment.

PAP SMEAR

Every 2 years, unless you have

had a hysterectomy or as advised

by your doctor if you have had

previous abnormal smears.

CHOLESTEROL LEVELS

Consider having an initial test of

your cholesterol levels and other

blood lipids. This is particularly

important if you are overweight

or at high risk e.g family history of

heart disease.

MAMMOGRAM

Every 2 years, especially if you

are over 50. If there is a family

history of breast cancer, you may

require annual mammograms and

from an earlier age. Regular self-

examination is recommended for

early detection of abnormalities.

BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS

It is advisable to have an initial

assessment and further testing will

depend on the initial result.

BLOOD PRESSURE

Every 12 months, as a minimum

and more often if you are on blood

pressure medication.

BONE SCAN

As poor bone density is an issue

for post-menopausal women, an

initial bone scan is advisable.

SPECIALIST CLINICS OF AUSTRALIA

CONTACT US

telephone

02 8459 0312

email

doctors@specialistaustralia.com.au

website

www.specialistaustralia.com.au